Buatsi KO’s Bolotniks In 11 In 2021 Matchroom Fight Camp Finale

 

Undefeated top-ten rated Light-Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi scored a hard- fought eleventh round knockout over Ricards Bolotniks on Saturday night at Matchroom Headquarters in Brentwood, England. In what was billed an an elimination bout for the WBA Light-Heavyweight world championship, the two fighters engaged each other in close quarters from the outset. This scenario saw several exchanges between the two fighters with Buatsi generally getting the better of the action due largely to his edge in hand speed. Bolotniks however, was able to provide Buatsi with a level of resistance that he had not experienced before in being able to extend the fight. 

 

Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a perfectly timed left hook to the jaw in a short exchange of hooks in round six. Despite going down hard and being hurt, Bolotniks was able to get up from the knockdown, survive the round, and continue to put up a fight in the rounds that followed. In round eight, Buatsi was penalized a point for low blows by Referee Howard Foster as some attempted hooks to Bolotniks’ body landed below the belt line. What became a war of attrition saw Bolotniks land some solid hooks of his own and managed to keep the fight competitive in the process. In round eleven however, Buatsi as he has become known for ended the fight in brutal and dramatic fashion as he dropped an exhausted Bolotniks with a flush overhand right to the head that sent the very “Game” Bolotniks down face first in his corner. The bout was immediately stopped without a count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round eleven. Joshua Buatsi advances to 15-0, with 13 Knockouts. Ricards Bolotniks falls to 18-6-1, with 8 Knockouts.

 

 

Also on this card:

 

Unbeaten Lightweight Joe Cordina scored a first round knockout of Joshuah Hernandez. Cordina dropped Hernandez with an overhand right that came from behind a jab that sent Hernandez down on his back. Hernandez tried, but he was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was :53 of round one. Joe Cordina advances to 13-0, with 8 Knockouts. Joshuah Hernandez falls to 10:4, with 8 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated WBO number four rated Welterweight contender Michael McKinson scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowski. McKinson put on a display of Boxing skill from the opening bell, picking his shots and frankly not facing much resistance. If there was anything to criticize, it is perhaps that McKinson may have been able to get a stoppage if he had chose to press the issue. Official scores were 99-91 (On two scorecards), and 98-92 all in favor of McKinson. Michael McKinson advances to 21-0, with 2 Knockouts. Przemyslaw Runowski falls to 19-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

In a clash of unbeaten Jr. Featherweights Hopey Price scored a six round decision over previously undefeated Claudio Grande. A competitive fight in spots, Price’s angles and timed counter punches proved to be the difference in the bout. In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a perfectly timed counter left hook to the jaw as Grande was rushing forward. Grande went down hard and one might argue that had it not been at the end of the fight, the possibility of the fight being stopped was there. Grande was able to beat the count at the final bell. As all non-title bouts in the United Kingdom and Ireland that do not have an impact on the regional or world rankings are solely scored by the referee officiating a bout, Referee Mark Bates scored the bout 58-55 in favor of Price. Hopey Price advances to 5-0, with 1 Knockout. Claudio Grande falls to 5-1, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Former British Bantamweight champion Kash Farooq scored a ten round unanimous decision over Luis Castillo. Farooq used superb lateral movement, hand speed, and timing to out box the heavy-handed Castillo over ten rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory. Although Castillo was able to land some hard shots particularly with his left hook sporadically, he was not able to nullify Farooq’s ability to get his punches off first and limit his openings. Official scores were: 100-90 (On two scorecards), and 100-91 in favor of Farooq. Kash Farooq advances to 16-1, with 6 Knockouts. Luis Castillo falls to 28-3, with 18 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Featherweight prospect Raymond Ford scored a third round stoppage of former Commonwealth Featherweight champion Reece Bellotti.  The first two rounds saw the fighters trade punches in an effort to establish control. In round three however, Ford connected with a short right hook that set off a barrage of unanswered punches that forced referee Michael Alexander to stop the fight. Official time of stoppage was :39 of round three. Raymond Ford advances 9-0-1, with 5 Knockouts. Reece Bellotti falls to 14-5, with 12 Knockouts. 

 

Jr. Featherweight Zelfa Barrett began the evening by scoring a fifth round stoppage over veteran Viorel Simion. Barrett gradually broke Simion down with a steady flow of offense to the body and head. After five rounds of mostly one way punishment, Simion’s corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of round five, Zelfa Barrett advances to 26-1, with 16 Knockouts. Viorel Simion falls to 22-7, with 9 Knockouts.

 

 

The finale of the 2021 season of Matchroom Boxing’s Fight Camp series was very much in the spirit of what the series, which was born in response to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, to provide “No Easy Fights” for the fighters involved, which depending on one’s perspective obviously depends on an individual fighter’s performance. More importantly however, the series achieved its ultimate goal, to continue providing competitive fights and entertaining action for Boxing fans in the midst of ongoing difficult and uncertain times. While this series was born out of necessity as a means for promoter Eddie Hearn to remain active when much of the world including sporting arenas were shut down due to the circumstances of COVID-19, as this observer said in previewing the first week of the season, though born out of necessity, the groundwork has been laid for what should be an annual tradition on the Matchroom Boxing calendar. I for one look for to seeing how the series evolves in season 3.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Previewing Matchroom Fight Camp Season 2 Week 3 Season Finale

 

The second season of Matchroom Boxing’s Fight Camp series held on the grounds of the family estate of promoter Eddie Hearn in a beautiful scenic setting in Brentwood, England has largely focused in its first two weeks on the 126lb. Featherweight division. A focus that in part was magnified by undefeated Welterweight contender Conor Benn being forced to withdraw from his scheduled July 31^st bout against Adrian Granados, which was to headline week one of the season due to Benn testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. As most know, this led to back to back weeks where two Featherweight bouts that were at or near the top of the division took centerstage. As those first two weeks have been covered extensively by this observer here on The Boxing Truth®️, week three, which will bring the 2021 season of Matchroom Fight Camp to its conclusion will see the focus shift away from the Featherweight division and center on the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division.

 

Headlining week three of Matchroom Fight Camp will be undefeated top-ten rated Light-Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi as he will look to take another step towards a potential shot at a world championship when he faces fellow top-ten Light-Heavyweight contender Ricards Bolotniks in a fight scheduled for twelve rounds. For Buatsi, a fighter currently rated in the top-ten in all five major world sanctioning organizations, the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO, he appears on the verge of challenging for a world championship perhaps as early as next year. In fourteen bouts as a professional, Buatsi has scored knockouts in twelve of those fights registering a career knockout percentage of over 85%. This included his last fight in May when he scored a brutal fourth round knockout of Daniel Dos Santos. A fight that saw Buatsi drop his opponent twice with the second knockdown resulting in Dos Santos being knocked out cold before he hit the canvas.

 

Based not only on that performance, but also his record up to this point, it is not hard to understand why the twenty-eight year old Buatsi has established himself as a “Knockout Artist.” Although being able to establish such a label has the benefit of generating interest and stirring buzz amongst both Boxing fans and experts, the negative effect could be that it forces a fighter in Buatsi’s position to literally fight his way into a mandatory challenger position as some fighters and to be more specific the promoters of said fighters who might be world champions could view a fighter like Buatsi as dangerous and the type of fight to avoid until such time as it makes sense from a business standpoint that makes what is likely viewed as a risk, worth it for champions, their handlers, and finally their promoters.

 

While such approaches while strategic are often criticized heavily by fans who may not understand the business side of the sport of Boxing, unfortunately, this is the reality many fighters in Buatsi’s current position may have to navigate as they climb their way up the rankings. There is also the obvious danger a fighter in this position faces in the possibility of potentially looking past an opponent and towards a more lucrative opportunity.

 

In Ricards Bolotniks, Buatsi will face a veteran of twenty-four professional fights that will enter the bout with a record of 18-5-1, with 8 Knockouts. Bolotniks, is currently rated number five in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), two positions above Buatsi, who is currently rated number seven by the same organization. The thirty-one year old Bolotniks also currently holds the WBO version of the European Light-Heavyweight championship. Bolotniks scored a tenth round stoppage of Serge Michel in defense of that championship in his last fight in December of last year.

 

Although Bolotniks will also enter this fight on a seven fight winning streak, stylistically, it appears he might be facing an uphill battle against Buatsi. This is due to both Buatsi’s strength as well as his punching power and ability to almost systematically walk his opponents down as he did in his last fight against Dos Santos. Bolotniks meanwhile, is a very tactical fighter that is a good counter puncher. What may be a red flag for Bolotniks however, is despite his counter punching ability, he tends to show a hesitance in letting his hands go. 

 

While some might say this approach is strictly used as a means of creating opens, the flip side of that is it can also create scenarios where he is not active enough to earn the benefit of the doubt in terms of winning rounds as judges score the fight. In this case, Bolotniks will be facing a fighter in Buatsi that likes to come forward and because of his punching power, he has the ability to do damage and hurt an opponent with either hand. Although the possibility always exists that an offensive-minded fighter can get caught by a disciplined counter puncher if they become overly aggressive, Bolotniks must find a happy medium in this fight and must figure out a way to discourage Buatsi from coming forward. If Bolotniks’ approach simply consists of sitting behind a high defensive guard and only looking to land punches on any openings that Buatsi might leave him, it is unlikely based on his record that he has the type of punching power that can end a fight with one punch. If he does not mix his approach up in this fight it will likely play into Buatsi’s hands.

 

There will be two other bouts on the undercard featuring unbeaten fighters at varying stages of their careers. Rising unbeaten American Featherweight Raymond Ford has gradually been gaining steam in his young career competing under the Matchroom banner. In nine professional fights, Ford has posted a record of 8-0-1, with 4 Knockouts. Now Ford will look to step up in his first scheduled ten round bout as he faces Reece Bellotti. Although Belloti is in the opponent role from a promotional standpoint in this fight, he does represent a step up not only to the ten round distance for Ford, but more importantly, a step up in class of opposition.

 

A veteran of eighteen professional fights, Bellotti has a record of 14-4, with 12 Knockouts and has stopped nearly 67% of his opponents inside the distance.  This not only represents an edge in experience for Bellotti, but also an element of danger, which Ford has not really faced up to this point. In his four losses, Bellotti has only been stopped once and is a former Commonwealth Featherweight champion so it will be interesting to see how Ford performs against a fighter of Belloti’s caliber.

 

Undefeated WBO number four rated Welterweight contender Michael McKinson will also be in action as he will face Przemyslaw Runowski in a bout scheduled for twelve rounds. McKinson is a former holder of the WBO’s version of the European championship in the 147lb. Welterweight division and appears close to a potential world title shot at least as far as the WBO is concerned with a high ranking. The twenty-seven year old McKinson is unbeaten in twenty pro bouts and has also shown that he is a distance fighter having only two knockouts in those twenty career wins. 

 

In Przemyslaw Runowski, McKinson will face a veteran of twenty professional bouts much like himself. In those twenty professional fights, Runowski has a record of 19-1, with 5 Knockouts. Although Runowski has a slightly higher percentage when it comes to stopping opponents inside the distance, he has not faced a fighter who is rated in the top-ten as McKinson is and it will be interesting to see what Runowski, who is not currently rated in the top fifteen in the WBO Welterweight ratings, brings to the table in a fight where at least on paper, there are some similarities both in terms of the fighters respective records, as well as being equal in age.

 

Thus far, season two of Matchroom Fight Camp has lived up to the promotional slogan of “No Easy Fights” and this has produced back to back weeks of entering cards. As we now look towards the season finale, this observer is very intrigued to see what happens next.

 

And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Matchroom Fight Camp: Buatsi vs. Bolotniks takes place on Saturday, August 14^th at Matchroom Headquarters in Brentwood, England. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning with a Matchroom Before The Bell pre-fight show that will feature a portion of preliminary bouts beginning at 12:30PM ET/9:30 AM PT. This will be followed by the main card, which will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT (*U.S. Times.)

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

For Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

 

 

Buatsi Brutally KO’s Dos Santos In 4

 

Undefeated top ten rated Light-Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi scored a devastating fourth round knockout over previously unbeaten Daniel Dos Santos on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The difference in punching power was almost immediately apparent as Buatsi immediately put Dos Santos on the defensive. In round two, Buatsi dropped Dos Santos with a right hand to the temple. Dos Santos was able to survive the round, but he was unable to land anything to keep Buatsi from stalking forward. Buatsi continued to walk Dos Santos down and in round four, Buatsi ended the fight with a brutal overhand right to the jaw that knocked Dos Santos out cold before he hit the canvas. The was no count and the fight was immediately stopped. 

 

Dos Santos was down for a few moments, but did regain his senses and was able to leave the ring under his own power. Official time of the stoppage was 2:44 of round four. Joshua Buatsi advances to 14-0, with 12 Knockouts. Daniel Dos Santos falls to 15-1, with 8 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a battle for the vacant European Super-Middleweight championship undefeated Lerrone Richards scored a one-sided twelve rounds unanimous decision over Giovanni De Carolis. From start to finish, Richards used lateral movement, timing and combination punching to out box De Carolis to earn a unanimous decision where two of three official judges scored every round in his favor. Official scores were: 120-108, (On two scorecards) and 119-109 in favor of Richards, Lerrone Richards advances to 15-0, with 3 Knockouts. Giovanni De Carolis falls to 28-10-1, with 13 Knockouts.

 

In an upset former two-time Commonwealth Jr. Featherweight champion Jason Cunningham on three weeks notice scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over European Jr. Featherweight champion Gamal Yafai to win the championship. From the opening bell, the southpaw Cunningham implemented an effective fight plan with an emphasis on defense and counter punching. Despite being under constant pressure from the champion and not being known as a power puncher, Cunningham found a home for his left hand and it was a straight left hand that dropped the champion in round two. This opened a cut over Yafai’s right eye. A near identical sequence occurred in round four when Yafai was dropped for the second time with a counter left cross to the head. In round six, Cunningham dropped Yafai for the third time in the fight with a counter left hook to the jaw.

 

With the fight numerically won with three knockdowns scored in terms of points after six rounds, Cunningham continued to box effectively throughout the second half of the fight and boxed his way to a convincing unanimous decision victory to win the championship. Official scores were: 115-110, and 114-111 (On two scorecards) in favor of Cunningham. Jason Cunningham advances to 29-6, with 6 Knockouts. Gamal Yafai falls to 18-2, with 10 Knockouts.

 

European Cruiserweight champion Tommy McCarthy scored a sixth round knockout over Alexandru Jur to retain his title. McCarthy was patient in waiting for openings even though he did not face much resistance in terms of hand speed. The champion consistently beat Jur to the punch. One exchange nearly brought the fight to its conclusion when McCarthy landed a left hook to the body that sent Jur down in round four. Jur was able to beat the count and the fight continued. In round six however, McCarthy landed another left hook to the body that sent Jur down for the second time, this time for the full ten count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:08 of round six. Tommy McCarthy advances to 18-2, with 9 Knockouts. Alexandru Jur falls to 19-5, with 7 Knockouts.

 

In a battle for the vacant British English Jr. Welterweight championship, undefeated Dalton Smith scored a sixth round stoppage of former English Lightweight champion Lee Appleyard. Initially what was shaping up as a tactical contest with Appleyard, attempting to bait Smith into corners and appearing to be content to stay at distance, gradually evolved to Smith systematically breaking Appleyard down with a full arsenal of offense to the body and head. As the fight became increasingly one-sided, Smith continued his assault until Referee Mark Lyson finally stepped in and stopped the fight at 2:44 of round six. Dalton Smith advances to 8-0, with 7 Knockouts. Lee Appleyard falls to 16-6-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Heavyweight Solomon Dacres successfully made his professional debut by scoring a six round decision over veteran Mladen Manev. Dacres put in a workmanlike performance as he pounded Manev over six rounds. As all non-title bouts that do not have an impact on regional or world rankings are solely scored by the referee officiating a bout, Referee John Latham scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Dacres. Solomon Dacres advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Mladen Manev falls to 3-9, with 2 Knockouts.

 

Women’s Jr. Middleweight Ellis Hopkins began the evening by scoring a four round decision in her professional debut over veteran Borislava Goranova. Referee John Latham scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Hopkins. Ellis Hopkins advances to 1-0, with 0 Knockouts. Borislava Goranova falls to 11-65-4, with 0 Knockouts.

 

As fighters in both the 168lb. Super-Middleweight and 175lb. Light-Heavyweight divisions continue to angle in the hopes of attracting the interest of a marquee star in either division including, but not limited to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the emphasis might be on statement making performances. Joshua Buatsi may not be ready for the likes of Alvarez or Dmitry Bivol, but his performance against Daniel Dos Santos is definitely the type that will get the Boxing public talking. Whether or not Buatsi, who has said he wants to fight three times in 2021 will be closer to a world championship fight by year’s end remains to be seen.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison